Well device and operating means therefor



July 1940- i I MILLER" T I 2209,62?

WELL DEVICE AND OPERATING MEANS THEREFQR Filed Marfi 27, 1959 s Sheet-Sheet -1 /o' v v 54 w 24 awe/WM v Leon/Has C. Mil/eh v r c. MILLER v WELL DEVICE AND OPERATING MEANS THEREFOR July 30, 1940.

Filed March 27, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 y 1940' L. CEMILLER 2209,62?

wELL DEVICE AND OPERATING MEANS THEREFOR Filed March 27, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 22 -2Za I L r I I 40 -i /a 3mm Leonidas C. M/Y/er A Of Patented. July 30, 1940 UNITED STATES WELL DEVICE AND OPERATING MEANS Tunnel-on.

Leonidas C. Miller, Dallas Tex, assignor to Eastman Oil Well Survey Company, Dallas, Tex., a corporation of Delaware Application March 27, 1939, Serial No. 264,363

22 Claims.

10 An important object of the invention is to provide a well device adapted to be lowered.

through the column of fluid in the well bore and having improved means which is actuated by the hydrostatic head of the'fluid column for anchoring said device in the bore at any desired elevation, whereby the anchoring or locking'may be accomplished without the application of an auxiliary pressure.

A particular object of the invention is to pro-,,

vide an improved operating means for well de- 2 vices which includes, a movable piston which is 'mounted within a normally sealed 'cylinder whereby the interior of the cylinder is under atmospheric pressure and also whereby the piston may be lowered into the well bore without being effected by the fluid column in said bore, together with, means for exposing one end of said piston tothe hydrostatic head of ,the fluid column when the device is properly positioned' 30 in the bore, whereby said piston is moved within its cylinder by, the hydrostatic head of the column, which actuates the operating means without the necessity of building up an auxiliary pressure in the bore from the surface.-

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved well device including a body arranged to close the well bore and having retractible anchoring members which are normally in a retracted position, together with a piston for controlling the expansion of said member and being arranged to be actuated by the hydrostatic head of the fluid column in the bore.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved operating means, of the character 46 described, wherein a' frangible conductor is connected to one end of the piston cylinder, said conductor being normally, sealed to exclude the fluid in the bore from the piston and being adapted to be broken to expose one-end of the piston to the fluid column by means of-a messenger" or go-devil dropped from the surface; the arrangement assuring that the operating means remains inactive until it is desired to actuate the same. i v

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved 'well device, of the character described, which may be lowered either by a wire line or pipe string and which, after being anchored in the well bore, cannot be removed therefrom, whereby it forms a plug to permanently close the bore of the well; the device lending itself to use as a whip stock since the upper end thereof may be inclined so as to deflect the bit or drill which is subsequently lowered into the bore. 7

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

' Figure l is an elevation of an improved device, constructed in accordance wi h the invention, and showingthe same anchored within the well bore,

Figure 2 is :a transverse, vertical, sectional view of the device, with the anchoring means retracted,

Figure 3 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of' the lower portion of the device and illustrating another form of anchoring members.

Figure 5 is a viewfpartly inelevation and partly in section, of'the messenger,

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2 of a modified form of the invention,

' Figure 7 is a view of the form shown in Figure 6, with the anchoring members moved outwardly to anchoring position,

Figure 8 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 88 of Figure 6,

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure '7, illustrating the device as a well plug,. with the anchoring member expanded,

Figure 10 is av view,-partly in elevation and partly in section, of the upper portion of the device, showing the conductor to the piston prior stantially cylindrical in cross-section and is slightly reduced to provide an external annular shoulder (Figure 2). An elongate cylinder |2 surrounds the lower end of the body and is suitably secured thereto by means of welding or otherwise. The cylinder depends axially from the body and has a transverse partition l3 inserted within its lower end. The partition is formed with an external, annular flange which abuts the lower edge of the cylinder. The partition may be welded, or otherwise suitably fastened within the bore of the cylinder.

An axial sleeve I5, which has substantially the same diameter as the cylinder l2, also surrounds the partition l3 below the flange l4 and the upper end of this sleeve is suitably secured to the partition. 'Thelower end of the sleeve I5 is closed by a cylindrical block l6 which is inserted within the bore of the sleeve and is welded, or otherwise fastened therein. A cylindrical housing which may be formed by a short section of pipe is secured to the lower end of the block l6 and depends therefrom. The housing is pref erably of the same diameter as the cylinder i2 and sleeve I5 and the lower end of said housing is closed by a suitable conical plug l8 which may be welded into the lower end of the bore thereof. By observing Figure 2, it wll be seen that the cylinder l2, sleeve l5 and housing being of the same diameter, provide an elongate casing which depends from the lower end of the body "I.

The cylindrical block I6 is formed with a square bore l9 which extends axially therethrough. A vertical slot 20 projects outwardly from the bore l9 to the exterior surface of the block and a curved locking element or blade 2| has its upper end pivoted on a transverse pin 22, which extends diametrically across the slot. A similar slot 20a is formed in the block It on the side opposite the slot 20 and a second locking element or blade 2la has its upper end disposed within the slot 20a.-

A transverse pin 22a which extends across the slot 20a pivotally secures the upper end of the blade 2| within said slot. When the locking elements or blades are in a retracted position, as shown in full lines in Figure 2, they are disposed within the housing or pipe section l1 and their outer ends do not project beyond the outer diameter of said housing. When in such position, the device may be readily lowered through a well bore A, without said blades or looking elements engaging the wall of said bore.

The locking elements are adapted to be swung outwardly to the position shown in Figure 1, the outer ends of said blades moving outwardly through vertical slots 23 formed in. the wall of the housing l1. When in this outward or extended position, the, outer tapered ends of the locking elements or blades enter the formation (Figure l) and serve to lock the device against movement in the well bore. Each locking element is substantially angular in cross-section at its inner end, whereby the edges of said element provide a substantially flat surface, as is clearly shown in Figure 3.

For expanding the locking elements or blades 2| and 2 la, an elongate tapered expanding member or head 24 is mounted within the sleeve l5 and is normally in the position shown in Figure 2. The expanding member is shown as substantially rectangular in cross-section and isgradually reduced toward its lower end, whereby said lower end is arranged to engage the flat edges of the locking elements 2| so that upon downward movement of the member the elements are swung outwardly. [The expanding member is secured to the lower end of a piston rod 25 which extends through an axial opening 26 formed in the partition l3. The upper end of the piston rod is disposed within the cylinder l2 and is preferably made integral with a piston 21 which is slidably mounted within the cylinder. The piston includes an annular elastic cup member 28 which is secured to the top of the piston head by means of a retaining disk 29 which is secured to the head by bolts 30. Manifestly, when the piston is moved downwardly within its cylinder l2, the expanding member 24 is moved downwardly between the locking elements 2| and 2|a to swing said elements on their pivots 22 and 22a and move the outer tapered ends of said elements outwardly into the formation surrounding the well bore A. For packing off around the piston rod 25 so as to prevent the pressure from the well bore entering the cylinder l2 below the piston 21, an elastic packing collar 3| surrounds said rod. This collar is secured to the underside of the partition l3 by means of a flanged ring 32 which is fastened to the partition by means of elongate screws 33. With this arrangement, any pressure, which is present in the well bore and which may enter the casing .or housing through the elongate vertical slots 23 and then pass upwardly into the sleeve I5, cannot enter the lower end of the cylinder l2 below the piston. Such entrance of any pressure in the bore into the cylinder is prevented by the elastic collar 3| which is preferably formed with an annular lip at its lower end, whereby such pressure acting against the collar forces the same into tight sealing engagement with the outer surface of the piston rod 25.

The extreme upper end of the body I0 is formed with an upwardly extending projection II) which is substantially vertical and this extension is adapted to be connected with a coupling collar 34, such connection being made by a shear" pin 35. The lower end of the well tubing or other string of pipe 36 is threaded into the collar 34 and, thus, it is possible to lower the device through the well bore by means of such string of pipe.

The upper end of the cylinder |2 has an inclined passage 31 leading therefrom and the outer end of this passage has the lower end of a conductor or tube 38 connected therein. The tube is disposed within a vertical groove 39 provided in the wall of the body Ill and said tube extends upwardly to the extension Ill of said body. The extreme upper end of the tube or conductor 38 is bent inwardly and projects through an opening 40 formed in the extension l0 and then through an opening 4| formed in the collar 34, whereby the extreme upper end of said tube is disposed within the bore of the collar. This end of the tube or conductor is normally closed or sealed off, whereby there can be no communication with the interior of the cylinder I2 above the piston, and

it'is preferable that this end of said tube be constructed of a brittle metal so as to be readily broken.

In the operation of the device, said device is' assembled at the surface of the well and the parts are in the position shown in Figure 2. The interior of the cylinder I2 is under an atmospheric pressure and, obviously, the lower end of said cylinder is sealed oil by means of the elastic collar 3| which surrounds the piston rod. The upper end of the cylinder above the piston is also sealed oflf since the upper end of the tube or conductor is closed. Therefore, the pressures on each side of the piston 21 are equalized and since said piston is in its uppermost position, it will remain in such position due to the frictional engagement of the cups 28 with the wall. of the cylinder, together with the frictional engagement of the packing collar 3| with the piston rod. At this time, the locking elements or blades 2| and Ho are in a retracted position.

The device is lowered into the well bore by means of the pipe string 36 and, of course, said well bore contains a column of mud or other fluid. As'the device is being lowered through the bore, the pressure of this fluid cannot afiect the piston 21 which is sealed ofl from this fluid and, therefore, during the lowering operation, the

piston remains in its uppermost position, which holds the expanding element 24 raised with relation to the expanding blades 2| and 2|a.

When the position at which the device is to ,be set in the bore is reached, the lowering is halted and an elongate weighted rod 42 (Figure 5), commonly known as a messenger, is dropped downwardly through the bore ofthe pipe string.

The lower end of this rod is reduced or tapered and is provided with a plurality of elongate grooves 43 in its exterior surface. As this weighted rod falls downwardly through the bore of the pipe string 36, its lower end strikes the projecting end of the tube or conductor 38 which, as has been explained, projects into the bore of the collar 34. When the weighted rod 42 strikes I the end of the conductor, it fractures the same to break off the sealed end of said conductor. The lower reduced end of the rod 42 then seats on an internal shoulder'34' which is. formed in the bore of the collar 34. When so seated, fluid may by-pass the rod through the elongate grooves 43 in said rod. 5

As soon as the end of the conductor 38 is broken ofi, the hydrostatic head of the fluid in the pipe also within the pipe string 36, is sufllcient to accomplish lowering of the piston 21, whereby it is not necessary to apply an auxiliary pressure .to the column in the pipe stringand in the bore.

As soon as the piston 21 moves downwardly,

the tapered expandingmember or head 24 movesdownwardly'between the locking elements 2| and .2 la and, due to the tapered surface of said member, the elements are swung outwardly through the vertical slots 23 in the housing l1. Downward movement of the piston continues until the upper end of the expanding member 24 engages beneath shoulders 44 which are formed on the inner fiat edges of the locking elements or blades 2l.- When'this occurs, it will be obvious that the piston and expanding member cannot be returned to their uppermost position due to the engagement of said shoulders-with the upper end of said member, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. In such position, the locking elements or blades 2| and 2': have moved outwardly to their fully expanded position and their outer ends are embedded within the formation surrounding the bore A. After the blades have been moved to this position, a downward force may be exerted on the pipe string 36 and such force will fracture the pin which connects the collar 34 to the upper end of the body I0. Such movement of the string will also. fracture the tube or conductor 38 adjacent the exterior-surface of the collar 34. The pipe string may then be removed from the well and, obviously, the device will remain locked therein. ,It' is noted that the downward pressure exerted when the pin and tube are fractured tends to force the locking elements further into the formation.

The upper end of the body I0 has been shown as inclined or tapered, whereby the device may be used as a whip stock. After the tubing or side pressure during the lowering of the device through the well bore. When it is desired to set the device, the messenger or rod 42 is droppedthrough the pipe string to break off the end of the conductor and expose the upper end of the piston to the hydrostatic head of the fluid column within the bore. This hydrostatic head is sufficient to lower the piston against the atmospheric pressure therebeneath and, thus, the locking elements 2| and 2|a may be expanded outwardly into locking position without the necessity of creating or exerting an auxiliary pressure on the fluid column within the bore.

The locking elements are shown as movable outwardly into the formation around the wellbore A and it is noted that said elements could be changed in construction, whereby the device .may be locked within a -well casing. Such a modification is shown in Figure '4, wherein relatively short locking elements or blades 45 are provided. The upper ends of these locking blades are pivoted on the pins 22 and 22a in the block IS. The lower or outer end of each blade is formed with'a sharp point 46 which is adapted to perforate a Well casing B, when the locking elements are moved to an expanded position. The blades 45 are providedwith a shoulder 41 on their inner edges, which shoulder is adapted to engage over the upper end of the expanding member 24 when the same is moved downwardly between the elements. This shoulder prevents upward movement of the-expanding member so as to prevent withdrawal of the same from between the locking blades 45 Manifestly, the operation of this form is exactly the same as the form shown in Figures 1 to 3.

In Figures 6 to 8, a slightly modified form of similar to the body III in Figure 1, is provided and the upper end of this body is arranged to be connected with the pipe string 36 in the same manner as hereinbefore described. The lower end of the body 50 is formed with an axial bore 5|, which bore'forms a cylinder within the lower end of the body; The upper end of this cylinder communlcates through a passage 52 with the lower end of the conductor 38. The lower end of the cylinder 5| is closed by a plug 53 and a piston 54 is movable within the cylinder between the plug and the upper end of said cylinder. 'I'he.piston 54 is similar in construction to the piston 21 and has a depending piston rod 55 which extends axially through an opening 56 in the plug 53. Immediately belowthe plug 53, the bore of the cylinder 5| is enlarged and the lower end of this enlarged portion is formed with internal screw threads.

An elongate sleeve member 51 is threaded into the lower end of the bore of the cylinder and is formed with an external annular shoulder 58 which abuts the lower end of the body 50. Confined between the extreme upper end of the sleeve 51 and the plug 53 is an elastic packing collar 59 which surrounds the piston rod 55. This collar is retained by a flanged ring which is engaged by the upper end of the sleeve, as is clearly shown in Figures 6 and'l. The sleeve 51 is provided with an axial bore 6| which extends entirely therethrough and a followenmember or head 62 is slidable within this bore. The follower has an axial opening through which the piston rod 55 extends.

The lower end of the sleeve 51 is provided with a plurality of slots 63 which extend vertically from the lower edge thereof. Four of these slots have beenshown and a locking element 64 has its upper end disposed within each slot. A pin 65, which extends transversely of each slot, pivotally mounts the locking element 64 therein. Each locking element has its lower end reduced or tapered to a sharp point and this point is normally confined within a recess 66 provided in a plug 61 which is threaded onto the lower end of the piston rod 55, (Figure 6).

Normally, the follower 62 rests on lugs 66 which are formed on the locking element 64 and this follower is held in engagement with said lugs by a coiled spring 68 which is confined between the follower and the retaining ring 66. The spring surrounds the piston rod 55 and is confined within the bore 6| of the sleeve 51. Manifestly, the spring constantly exerts its pressure to urge the follower 62 downwardly, whereby .a downward pressure is exerted on the lugs 63 of the locking element 64.

The operation of this form is obvious. The parts are assembled at the surface, whereby the cylinder 5| is under an atmospheric pressure. At this time, the piston rod 55 is raised whereby the locking elements 64 have their lower ends engaged within the recess 66 of the plug 61 at the lower end of said piston rod. The spring 69 is, of course, urging the follower 62 downwardly, whereby a pressure is being exerted'on the lugs 68 of the locking element 64. Such pressure is tending to urge the lower ends of the locking elements outwardly but such movement is prevented by the engagement of said lower ends within the recess 66.

When the device is lowered to the position at which it is to be set, the messenger 42 is dropped downwardly through the pipe string 36 and fractures the end of the conductor or tube 36, whereby the hydrostatic head of the fluid in the bore may act downwardly on the upper end of the piston 54. When this occurs, the piston 54 moves downwardly in its cylinder 5|, which results in adownward movement of the rod 55. Such downward movement of the piston rod causes the plug 61 to move downwardly with relation to the locking elements 64, whereby-the lower ends of said elements are disengaged from the recess 66. Such disengagement oi thelower ends of said elements permits the coiled spring 69 to move the follower downwardly to the position shown in Figure 7,

whereby the locking elements 64 are swung radially outwardly and into engagement with the formation surrounding the bore. When swung to this position, it will be evident that the device is locked within the bore against downward movement. The pipe string 36 is then disengaged from the upper end of the device by fracturing the pins 35, as has been explained.-

In Figures 1 to 3 and 6 to 8, the devices have been shown when used as a whip stock. However, in some instances it might be desirable to utilize the same as a well plug to completely close the bore A. In such instance, the upper end of the body In would be substantially fiat across the top and its external diameter would be the same throughout its length. When so constructed, it is obvious that the same would serve as a well plug to close the bore when the device was locked in lowered on a cable or other flexible element. In

this form, the device is also shown as used as a well plug and, by observing Figure 9, it will be seen that the lower portion of the device includes the cylinder. l2, sleeve l5, housing l1 and locking elements 2| and 2| a, exactly as in the first form. The piston 21 and expanding member 24 are also identical. However, in this form instead of employing the-body H], a cylindrical body 10 is secured to the upper end of the cylinder |2. This body is formed with an axial bore 1| which extends from the top of the body to a point termihating short of the lower end thereof. The conductor or tube 38 leads from an inclined passage 12 which communicates with the upper end of the cylinder upwardly through a recess 13 in the exterior wall of the body. The extreme upper end of the tube is bent inwardly and directed through a radial opening 14, whereby the upper end of said tube is disposed within the bore- 1| of the body. This end of the tube is, of course, nor- I of the body. A transversely extending frangible pin 11 connects the collar 16 with the body, whereby the cable may be utilized in lowering the device through the well bore.

The operation of .this form is substantially the same as the form shown in Figures 1 and 2. The device is lowered by means of .the cable 15 with the locking elements in their retracted position and the piston 21 in its raised position, each side of the piston being exposed to atmospheric pressure. When the point at which the device is to be set is reached, lowering thereof is stopped and an elongate sleeve 18 is dropped downwardly on the cable 15. This sleeve slides downwardly on the cable and strikes the end of the conductor 38 to break ofi said end, as shown in Figure 9. When this occurs, the hydrostatic head of the fluid column within the bore above the device acts downwardly on the upper end of the piston string 36 is shown. In this form, aclosed collar 18 is threaded onto the lower end of the pipe string 36 and is connected to the upper end of the device by a frangible pin 19. The upper end of the conductor 38 has communication with the bore of the collar I8 and with the bore of the string 36 through an angular plug 80 which is threaded into the collar 18. In this instance, the pressure from the well how cannot enter the conductor 38 because the lower end of the collar I8 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to run the pipe string dry, that is, with no fluid within said pipe string. Thus, during the lowering operation, the bore of the'string is under atmospheric pressure as is the cylinder wherein the piston is operated. After the position at which the device is to be locked within the bore is reached, a suitable fluid may be introduced into the pipe string 36. The hydrostatic head of this fluid column within the pipe string will act downwardly through the conductor 38 to operate the-piston and accomplish the setting of the locking elements, as has been described. After the device is set, the frangible pin 19, as well as the angular nipple 80, is fractured to permit removal of the pipe string 36.

It is pointed out that the operating means, which consists of the cylinder and piston, have been shown as actuating the pivoted locking elements. However, it is noted that this operating means may be employed for operating other elements or members, such as core taking tubes or the like, and may be utilized for imparting a force to any object or element within a well bore. The feature of the operating means is the sealing of the interior of the cylinder against pressures outside of said cylinder, whereby the same may be lowered through the well bore and will be maintained under an atmospheric pressure or under a pressure less than the admitted pressure.-

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim and desire to secure-by Letters Patent is:

1. A well device for closing a well bore including, a body, expansible locking elements mounted in the body and arranged to swing outwardly into locking position, said elements being normally in a retracted position, a cylinder within the body above the elements and normally sealed against the pressure of the fluid in the well bore whereby the interior thereof is under an atmospheric pressure, pressure responsive means move able within the cylinder and associated with the locking elements, and means for exposing one side of said pressure responsive means to the fluid column in the well, whereby the hydrostatic head of the column imparts movement to' the piston and actuation of the locking efiecte'd.

2. A well device for closing a well; bore including, a body, expansible locking elements mounted in the body and arranged to swing outwardly inelements may be to locking position, said elements being normally with the-locking elements, and means for breaking thejffrangible conductor to admit the fluid in the well bore into one 'end of the cylinder and t against the pressure responsive means, whereby said means is moved and movement of the locking elements into locking position is effected.

3. A well device for closing a well bore including, a body, expansible l'ockirig elements mounted in the body and arranged to swing outwardly into locking-position, said elements being normally in a retracted position, an actuating member within the body adapted to move between the locking elements to expand the same into locking position, a cylinder within the body having one end sealed against pressure exteriorly of'the cylinder, a frangible normally sealed conductor connected with the other end of the cylinder for 1 closing the same, pressure responsive means movable in the cylinder and connected with the actuating member, and means for breaking the frangible conductor to admit the fluid in the well bore into one end of the cylinder and against the pressure responsive means, whereby said means is moved and movement of the locking elements into locking position is effected.

locking elements to expand the same into locking position, a cylinder within the body having one end sealed against pressure exteriorly of the cylinder, a. frangible normally sealed conductor connected with the other end of the cylinder for closing the same, pressure responsive means movable in the cylinder-and connected with the actuating member, means for breaking the frangible conductor to admit the fluid in the well bore into one end of the cylinder and against the' pressure responsive means, whereby said means is moved and movement of the locking elementsinto locking position is effected, and co-acting means on the actuating member and locking elements in an expanded position to prevent removal of the device from the bore.-

5.. A well device including, a body arranged to be lowered into a well bore to close said bore, expansible locking elements mounted in thebody and normally in a retracted position, an actu-' ating member within the body for moving the elements outwardly into engagement with the wall of the bore, a pressure responsive means connected 1 with the actuating member and normally maintained under an atmospheric pressure, and means for exposing one side of the pressure responsive means to the fluid column in the well bore, wherei by the hydrostatic head of said column moves said member to expand the locking elements into locking position.

6. A well device including,' a body arranged to be lowered into a well bore to close said bore,

expansible locking elements mounted in the body and normally in a retractedposition, an actuating member within the body for moving the elements outwardly into engagement with the wall of the bore, a cylinder above the actuating member normally sealed against pressure in the well bore whereby the interior of the cylinder is under atmospheric pressure, a pressure responsive means with the cylinder and connected with the actuating member, and means for exposing one side of the pressure responsive means to the pressure of the fluid column in the well, whereby the hydrostatic head of said column moves said means to operate the actuating member and expand the locking elements to their locking position.

7. A well deviceincluding, a body arranged to be lowered into a well boreto close said bore, expansible locking elements mounted in the body and normally in a retracted position, an actuating member within the body for moving the elements outwardly into engagement with the wall of the bore, a pressure responsive means connected with the actuating member and normally maintained under an atmospheric pressure, means for exposing one side of the pressure responsive means to the fluid column in the well bore, whereby the hydrostatic head of said column moves said member to expand the locking elements into locking position, and co-acting means on the actuating member and locking elements in an expanded position to prevent removal of the device from the bore.

8. A well device including, a body arranged to be lowered into a well bore to close said bore, expansible locking elements mounted in the body and normally in a retracted position, an actuating member within the body for moving the elements outwardly into engagement with the wall of the bore, a cylinder above the actuating member normally sealed against pressure in the well bore whereby the interior of the cylinder is under atmospheric pressure, a pressure responsive means with the cylinder and connected with the actuating member, means for exposing one side of the pressure responsive means to the pressure of the fluid column in the well, whereby the hydrostatichead of said column moves said means to operate the actuating member and expand the locking elements to their locking position, and coacting means on the actuating member and locking elements for maintaining the locking elements in an expanded position to prevent removal of the device from the bore.

9. A well device adapted to close a well bore in cluding, an elongate body arranged to be connected to a lowering means by a frangible pin, pivoted locking elements mounted in the body and normally in a retracted position to permit lowermg of said body through the bore, a tapered expanding member arranged to move between the elements to expand the same, said member normally being out of engagement with the elements, a movable piston mounted in the body connected with the expanding member and normally under atmospheric pressure, and means for exposing one side of the piston to the fluid column above the device for effecting movement of the piston, whereby the expanding member is moved between the locking elements to swing the same to their locking position.

10. A well device adapted to close a well bore including, an elongate body arranged to be connected to a lowering means by a frangible pin, pivoted locking elements mounted in the body and normally in a retracted position to permit lowering of said body through the bore, a tapered expanding member arranged to move between the elements to expand the same, said member normally being out of engagement with the elements, a movable piston mounted in the body connected with the expanding member and normally under atmospheric pressure, means for exposing one side of the piston to the fluid column above the device for eflecting movement of the piston, whereby the expanding member is moved between the locking elements to swing the same to their locking position, and co-acting means on the expanding member and locking elements for preyenting retraction of the member from between the elements to maintain said elements in looking position.

11 ..A well device adapted to close a well bore including, an elongate body arranged to be. connected to a lowering means by a frangible pin, pivoted locking elements mounted in the body, retaining means engaging the elements in a retracted position, a piston connected with the retaining means and normally under an atmospheric pressure, means for exposing one side of the piston to the fluid column above the device, whereby the hydrostatic head of said column moves the piston to disengage the retaining means from the locking elements, and springpressed means for moving the locking elements to their locking position as soon as said retaining means is disengaged therefrom.

12. As a sub-combination in a well device, a pressure actuated means including, a cylinder having one end sealed against pressures outside said cylinder, 9. frangible sealed conductor lead- .ing from the opposite end of the cylinder, whereby the interior of the cylinder may be maintained under atmospheric pressure while being lowered through the well, and a piston within the cylinder arranged to undergo movement when the frangible conductor is broken and outside pressures are admitted to one end of the cylinder.

13. An operating means, of the character described, including, a cylinder, a piston movable within the cylinder and having a piston rod pro- Jecting from one end of the cylinder, means for closing the end of the cylinder and sealing ofi around the piston rod, and frangible means for normally closing the other end of the cylinder against pressure outside of the cylinder, whereby the interior of the cylinder may be maintained under an atmospheric pressure while being lowered into a well bore after which the frangible means maybe broken to admit outside pressure into the interior of the cylinder-to move the piston.

14. An operating means, for well devices, including, a cylinder having closed ends, one of said ends having an opening therein which is normally closed by a frangible element, and a piston movable in said cylinder and normally under atmospheric pressure and arranged'to be moved therein when the frangible element is broken to admit outside pressure to the interior of the cylinder.

15. A well device arranged to be lowered in a well bore including a body, expansible elements mounted in the body and arranged to be moved outwardly into the wall of the bore, said elements being normally in a retracted position, a cylinder within the body above the elements and normally sealed against the pressure of the fluid in the well bore whereby the interior thereof is at a pressure less than the pressure of said fluid, pressure responsive means within the cylinder and associated with expansible elements, and means for exposing one side of said pressure responsive means to the fluid column in the well, whereby the pressure of said fluid imparts movement to the piston to move the elements to their expanded position.

16. A well device for closing a well bore includ-- ing, a body, expansible locking elements mounted in the body and arranged to swing outwardly into locking position, said elements being normally in a retracted position, a cylinder within the body,

end of the cylinder, pressure responsive means movable in the cylinder and associated with the locking elements, and means for removing the cylinder closing means to admit the fluid in the Well bore into one end of the cylinder and against the pressure responsive means, whereby said means is moved and movement of the locking elements into locking position is affected.

17. A. well device arranged to be lowered in a well bore including, a body, expansible elements mounted in the body and arranged to be moved outwardly into the wall of the bore, said elements being normally in a retracted position, a cylinder within the body having one end sealed against the pressure exteriorly of the cylinder, means for closing the opposite end of the cylinder, pressure responsive means movable in the cylinder and associated with the expansible elements, and means for removing the cylinder closing means to admit the fluid in the well bore into one end of the cylinder and against the pressure responsive means, whereby said means is moved and movement of the expansible elements into their expanded position is afiected.

18. A well device arranged to be lowered through an uncased well bore including, a body, elongate curved locking elements mounted in the body and arranged to move outwardly into the formation, the end of each element being curved to facilitate its entry into the formation, said elements being normally in a retracted position, a cylinder within the body above the elements and normally sealed against the pressure of the fluid in the well bore whereby the interior thereof is under pressure less than the pressure of the fluid in the well bore, pressure responsive'means movable within the cylinder, and associated with the locking elements, and means for exposing one side of said pressure responsive means to the fluid column in the well, whereby the hydrostatic head of the column imparts movement to the piston and actuation of the'locking elements may be effected.

19. A well device arranged to be lowered through the well casing in a well bore including, a body, pivoted locking elements mounted on the body and arranged to be moved outwardly to puncture the well casing, the leading end of each element being pointed and sharpened to facilitate its passage through the casing, said elements being normally in a retracted position, a cylinand actuation of the locking elements may be efiected.

20. As asub-combination in a well device, a pressure actuated means including, a cylinder having one end sealed against pressure outside said cylinder, closure means for sealing the' opposite end of the cylinder, whereby the interior of the cylinder may be maintained under a pressure less than the pressure in the well while being lowered through said well, and a pressure responsive member arranged to undergo movement when the closure means is opened and outside pressures are admitted to one end of the cyl- 'inder.

21. An operating means, of the character described, including a housing, a pressure responsive element movable within the housing and having an actuating rod projecting from one end of the housing, means for closing the end of the housing and packing oiT around the rod, and a closure for normally sealing the opposite end of the housing against pressure outside of the housing, whereby the interior of said housing may be maintained under a pressure less than the pressure outside of the housing while being lowered into a well bore, after which the closure means may be opened to admit outside pressure into the interiorof the housing to move the pressure responsive means.

22. An operating means for well devices including, a cylinder having closed ends, one of said ends having an opening therein, closure means for normally sealing said opening, and a piston movable in said cylinder and normally under a pressure less than the normal pressure outside of the cylinder and arranged to be moved within the cylinder when the closure means is opened to admit said outside pressure to one side of the piston.

LEONIDAS C. MILLER. 

